Rio de Janeiro: What to Know Before You Go

Rio is easier than its reputation, but only if you arrive knowing a few things. The sights are spread between the mountains, the city has real crime problems, and a few habits, like where you keep your phone, make a big difference to how relaxed your trip feels. Even the weather needs planning, since summer clouds can hide the peaks for days (see the month-by-month picture).

How the city is laid out

The South Zone, or Zona Sul, is where most visitors spend their time: Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon on the ocean, Botafogo and Flamengo on the bay, and the hills of Santa Teresa and Cosme Velho behind them. Centro, the old colonial and business district, lies to the north along the bay, with the revived port area around Praça Mauá. Barra da Tijuca, far to the west, is a newer district of malls and condominiums that few first-timers need. Our 3-day itinerary links the main areas.

Entry and visas

Since April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia need an electronic visa, applied for online before travel. Allow a couple of weeks. EU and UK citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Rules change, so check the official Brazilian government site before you book.

Staying safe

Most visits pass without trouble, but phone snatching and bag theft are common, especially on the beaches, the promenades and in Centro. Don't walk along the street looking at your phone, take only what you need to the beach, and never leave a bag unattended on the sand. After dark, use Uber rather than walking through empty streets, particularly in Centro and on the quiet lanes of Santa Teresa. If you're robbed, hand things over. Favelas are best visited only with a guide who lives there.

Getting around

The metro is clean, air-conditioned and the quickest way between Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo and Centro, and you can tap a contactless card at the gates. In Centro, the VLT light rail links the port, the airport and the main squares. At night, Uber is the default for almost every trip.

Money and language

Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere, and Pix, the local instant payment system, is how Brazilians pay each other. Carry a little cash for beach vendors. Outside hotels, English is limited, so a translation app and a few words of Portuguese help.

Small practical things

Brazil uses its own plug with two or three round pins, and Rio's supply is 127 volts, so check your chargers. Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water. Carioca time is relaxed, and dinner starts late.